When there are rules in place, do you believe that exceptions should be made for the rules or should they always be strictly followed?

It depends on who is enforcing them and who is subject to the enforcement. We live in an imperfect world.

Rule enforcers should have the ability to show discretion. The problem with discretion is that rules can be applied in arbitrary and capricious ways; whether the rule is enforced or not can be more about the infractors relationship to the enforcer than about the substance of the infraction. On the other hand when rule enforcers are not allowed to use discretion you have situations where a high school girl who gives an aspirin to a classmate is expelled as a drug pusher and a kindergartener kissing another student is considered sexual harassment. Giving enforcers discretion requires the enforcer to have a degree of objectivity and fairness.

I think expects can be made, but it must be a very odd/rare situation.

if the rule is broadly stated (no running) then exceptions have to be made. if the rule is specific (cant run in crowded areas due to blah) then less chance there is a way around it.